COLA Help, Open Enrollment Tips, Uber for Troops and More

A handful of Democratic lawmakers have renewed the push for the Seniors and Veterans Emergency (SAVE) Benefits Act, which would provide a one-time payment of $581 to Social Security recipients to help compensate for the zero cost of living adjustment in 2016 and the meager 0.3 percent COLA (about $5 per month) slated for 2017. “There is nothing worse than delivering a flat Social Security COLA to our seniors,” said Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. The legislation, which was introduced in 2015, went nowhere, but Schumer said there is precedent for passing the bill: In 2009, Congress passed a one-time $250 payment to seniors to help them through the recession. 

While it might seem like Uber is available everywhere these days, try getting somewhere on a military installation with a ride-hailing service like Uber or Lyft. You may not be able to, depending on the rules established by the local command. According to a report in the Washington Post, Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., co-sponsored a provision in the Senate defense authorization bill that would require the Pentagon “to develop and implement a uniform policy on how drivers could access all installations.” Similar language is included in the House Armed Services Committee report, the Post reported.

Were you or a family member affected by Hurricane Matthew? The Thrift Savings Plan has temporarily changed the financial hardship withdrawal rules for anyone whose primary residence or place of employment is located in a covered disaster area and has incurred a loss as a result of the storm, or if you will use the withdrawal to assist an eligible family member who lives or works in a covered disaster area. For details, see the TSP announcement.   

The federal health benefits open enrollment season is right around the corner, so it’s not too early to start thinking about your health coverage and whether you have the best plan for your situation. David Notari, the CEO of Innovation Health, has some tips for selecting a plan:

• Make a list. Did you get married or have a baby in the last year? Life events will affect your priorities. Make a list of your current and expected health needs, which should include planned surgeries or procedures for the upcoming year. Make note of any positive or negative experiences you’ve had with current doctors, and consider creating a checklist of expectations you have of your new plan.
• Know your network. Whether you’re staying with the plan you had last year or moving to a new one, make sure your doctor and hospital are in network. Focus on finding a plan that can connect you with a network of doctors and a hospital system in your area. If you’re staying with the same plan for 2017 be sure to review the materials from your insurer and note any changes from the previous year.
• Find a plan that fits your needs. Your plan should fit your lifestyle and health care needs. Is mobile access to your doctor important to you? What about weight-loss programs or vision coverage? Your plan should reflect what matters most to you and it should ensure you have access to the doctors and specialists you need at an affordable predictable price.
• Understand the costs. For most federal employees it’s important to find a health plan that provides quality care at an affordable price. Even if you choose to stay with your current plan, take time to review any cost increases. It’s important to consider prescription coverage, how the plan coordinates with Medicare, whether your providers are in network and what additional services you require on an ongoing basis.

The Federal Employee Health Benefits Program open season runs from Nov. 14 through Dec. 12.  

And finally, some good news for employees hired under the Pathways internship programs. A new rule allows them to enroll in Federal Employee's Group Life Insurance (FEGLI), if applicable Federal requirements are met.